We Have A Winner!

At the beginning of the month I had a Pampered Chef online party to Help Whip Cancer! I told you all then that whomever ordered would be put into a drawing for some neat PC stuff. I had Abby do the drawing for me and low and behold the winner is my very own mother!

So, here is what she gets! And thanks for all of you who "played along". The order has been processed and you should be getting your goodies soon! Enjoy!

Wait For The Wagon

Can I even begin to put into words a description of this photo?! I'm not so sure it's possible!

Emily made a bench in the wagon using a little bike. Abby used a jump rope to make reigns for Emily to use since Abby loves to be a horse. It was actually raining out, but that did not stop them from parading around the front lawn with Emmy singing at the top of her lungs: "Wait for the wagon, wait for the wagon...". It's a song she heard and learned from listening to the audio books of Little House On The Prairie. Abby pranced around with life like neighs and pawing of the ground. They are quite an imaginative pair!

Dirt + Micah = Fun

This is so much fun, Mom!

Here, Mom! For you!

I just love to drop it all over myself!

And squish it between my fingers!

Now how do I wipe my hands clean?

Old Book

I am reading this old, but good, book titled Son To Susanna. It is about the life of John Wesley.

Book Review: Truck Books For Boys! (& Girls!)

Big Truck And Little Truck by Jan Carr

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A big truck teaches a little truck all he needs to know about being a truck. Then something happens to the big truck and the little truck finds out he really did learn how to be a truck. Great book for kids...especially little boys!


View all my reviews.


When Daddy's Truck Picks Me Up by Jana Novotny Hunter

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
A little boy waits for his daddy to pick him up from school in his big tanker truck. This book is kinda strange - the story line is rather confusing - but in all other areas it's a good book.


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The Neighborhood Trucker by Louise Borden

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wish they had the cover picture! This was a great book about a little boy who loved to watch trucks while all the other kids were doing things that kids normally like to do. It reminded me so much of my younger brothers when we were all little. I enjoyed reading it to my own son who adores trucks and I can see being "Elliot" in the near future...wait!...he already is!


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A Little Garden

Abby went on a field trip with her class a few weeks ago. She brought home a flower to plant.

So out to the yard she marched with a stick in hand to dig a hole.

She even put in the flower markers!

She did a good job for her first time gardening!

Book Review: Just Like You & More...

Just Like You by Emma Dodd

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute book of a bear cub who wants to be just like his parent.


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Ernest's Special Christmas by Laura T. Barnes

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another adorable Ernest book! This time it's about helping out a friend and how showing love to another is what makes Christmas so special.


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Guess Who, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A cute series about a duck and her family. Her Grampa comes over to cheer her up when she is feeling under the weather.


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Corduroy Goes to the Library by B.G. Hennessy

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A lift-the-flap book about going to the library. Cute!


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Once Upon a Time, the End by Geoffrey Kloske

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don't know who will enjoy this more? The kids or the parents! A book of many fairy tales all cut down in size due to a little boy not going to sleep! Fun for kids, even more fun for parents to read!


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The Little Red Hen by Jerry Pinkney

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
A cute version of a classic story! Even has some great color codes so that if you wanted to interact with older kids you could do it with a lot of fun!


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Ernest and the Big Itch by Laura T. Barnes

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
The cute tale of a bird who wakes up one morning to find his house shaking. Is it an earthquake or possibly Ernest the miniature donkey? Where else can Ernest itch his big itch?


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Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip by Denia Hester

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fun story about a woman who grows a huge turnip.


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You NEED To Watch This

Giggles From The Trench: A Neat Room

Last night as I tucked the girls into bed Abby asked me to read her some verses from her Bible. Actually, it was my Bible as a little girl. So I opened it up to one of the gospels (can't remember which one right now!) and read about the 2 disciples going to the tomb to find that Jesus had risen. One of the verses said how the handkerchief that was used on his head lay neatly to the side.

After I was all done reading Abby spoke up and asked me this: "Mom, do you know why his wrapping things were neat?"

"No, Abby, I don't.", I replied.

"Because He knew His mommy would be happy with a neat room."

And, yes, she was serious. I'm sure God enjoyed a good laugh last night as He listened to the thoughts of one of His 5 year old daughters!

Bagged Out!

The mighty hunter bagged out in 2 states with monster birds! This one has 1 & 1/4 inch spurs and a 10 inch beard. Another 20lb bird for the freezer! Is it Thanksgiving or Memorial Day?!

A Walk Home

A few weeks ago we took a trip "home". We refer to home as the place where Justin grew up and we spent our first 4 years of married life. Although we have established another home here where we now live which also happens to be the place of my growing up.

When we go back to visit family we stay with Justin's parents. One night after supper we went for a walk. Oh it was wonderful! This is the country of country with dirt roads, rolling fields, and beautiful sunsets.

As you can see above, Abby and Emmy enjoyed walking together, too. This picture makes them look like such sweet friends and sisters. (I only wish that were true 100% of the time!)

And this picture! What a gorgeous picture of Emmy - way ahead as usual - down the dirt road on a calm and balmy evening.

I love to see the sun peek through the trees as we walk in the shade.

Of course it's not a true blogging moment with a self-taken-in-action-picture!

And here we are ready to start our walk...look at the sun! Below is a picture taken on my cell phone, but I so love the sun rays brilliantly shining!

Taking a leisurely stroll with family is simply sweet.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday: What If His People Prayed

Click the logo to join in this "singing" or to enter your own melody for the weekend!



There is a lot I could say about this song. I am learning just how much power is in prayer...and I truly wonder:

What if His people did pray? What would happen?

Book Review: A Busy Woman's Guide To Prayer

A Busy Woman's Guide to Prayer: Forget the Guilt and Find the Gift by Cheri Fuller

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great book about prayer. This is not just another tip book, but it's also not just another person's opinion. It is filled with testimonies, practical application, encouragement, and biblical principles all woven together to make an enjoyable and spiritually uplifting read. I highly recommend this book to women (and young women) of all ages or stages in life. You will be encouraged, comforted, and challenged in a delightful way.


View all my reviews.

Mother/Daughter Time

This is me. And Abby.

I went with her Kindergarten class on a field trip to see a play called "Suessical". It was so much fun to see her interact with the other kids and be her little social butterfly self! She wanted to sit next to me (good for the mom's heart!) and so we took fun pictures with my cell phone while waiting for the musical to begin.

I am having a hard time with the fact that she will soon be 6. My baby! My first born will be 6! Some days it seem longer since that memorable moment of entering motherhood and then others it seem like just yesterday. Well, no matter what it seems like it will in fact soon be 6 years. I can only pray for 6 times many more to have with her!

Propitiation

Wow.

WOW!

Today I read Numbers 15:22-36 for my time with God. (Also known as Quiet Time, Devotions, Time Alone With God...) I was set back in my chair as I thought about what it must have been like to be the man who broke the sabbath, was put in custody, and then stoned by God's orders.

I can identify with that guy. I'm a sinner. I have broken God's laws. Many of them. All of them!

BUT!

Because of God's gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, I don't have to be stoned. Jesus became the propitiation for me! ME!

Wow.

WOW!!!!!!!

How would you feel right now if you were arrested and then told that you were going to be taken out to be stoned? Take a minute. Think about it. Imagine it. What emotions and feelings would come to you?

Now think about this:

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." - 1 John 4:10 (NASB)

God took His wrath out on His own perfect Son. Not me. Not you...if you have a relationship with Him.

Do you have a relationship with Him...your Creator and Savior?

Are you really thankful for Christ taking your punishment?

Wow.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will serve Him not because I should, need to, ought to, am told to...but because I love Him!

He saved me! ME!

Wow.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Propitiation.

It's pretty powerful.

Can I get a...

"WOW!"

Commercial Break

I am going to take a pause from the regularly scheduled blogging (whatever that may be) and take a commercial break.

Jessica...step up to the mic, Sister, and share what's on your heart...

{Jessica steps up to my little bloggy mic}

"Quote from an article in Parenting magazine: The "no" thing backfired when
Renny insisted on bringing her doll-baby into preschool. "No!" I said with smug
confidence. She started shrieking. I handed her the doll.

Does anyone else see something wrong with this? This isn't parenting. At least not good parenting. You don't say "no" to your two year old, and then when they commence a fit, change your mind. What are you teaching your child?"

Okay...I won't steal borrow her whole post, I just wanted to give you enough to wet your appetite so that you will head right on over to her little place on the big, wide web and read all of what she has to say.

What are you waiting for?! Go on! Nothing more here to see. Go finish reading the wonderful thoughts Jessica has to share.

Oh, and if you want to read about real parenting...I highly recommend the book "Shepherding A Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp.

More Scarf!

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As I was over visiting Unexpected Blessings I saw that there is another Year Of The Scarf Fest coming up soon! I hope you will all jump over, find out the details, join in the fun! I have enjoyed this year and getting to be creative in learning to wear scarves. And can I also admit...being ever so honest here with you all...that I like how they cover up my stretch marked neck from my 3 babies?! I do. It's true. So what pics will you show on the 9th?

It's Not A Checklist

I like keeping a list.

You know, a nice long checklist of all I need to do. And of all I want to do.

I get great joy and satisfaction from coming along and checking off an item when I have completed it. So much so that I would even go as far to say that I'm addicted to it.

When my heart begins to race and I actually get a slight "high" from seeing the task go from...

#12 - make the bed

to

#12 - make the bed

...I know, I have issues.

Okay, so you've all known that for a while! So have I, really. But this year...this year of 2009...God has been showing me ever so slowly, but ever so much, how I view my Christian walk as just another checklist.

I make my list...

#1 - Pray more often.
#2 - Be a better wife.
#3 - Don't get angry so quickly.
#4 - Be more loving.
#5 - Be more kind.
#6 - Be more faithful.
#7 - Work on self-control.

...you get the point. Then I try my hardest to cross off the tasks on my list. It kind of goes like this:

I wake up and have my quiet time with God. I read a passage and am impacted by what God's Word says about being kind. So I think about it all day, and actually am more kind toward others, and then at the end of the day I go to my list and cross it off... #5 Be more kind.

The problem comes the next day when I find myself being not-so-kind. Okay, I'll say it as it is...when I find myself being mean and selfish. I think to myself, "Wait a minute! I worked on this yesterday! I crossed this off. What is my problem?"

The problem is that being a Christian is NOT a checklist. Let me repeat.

Being a Christian is NOT a checklist and NOT about keeping a checklist.

It is in fact about having a relationship with your Creator, Savior, and Almighty God.

Just like I don't keep a checklist for my relationship with Justin -

#1 - Wake up, roll over, & kiss him
#2 - Make him breakfast
#3 - Help him pick out his clothes
#4 - Pack his lunch
#5 - Smile & hug him as he walks out the door

...I can't keep a checklist for my relationship with God. (Okay...so maybe, just maybe, sometimes I do keep a checklist like this! I'm working on it, okay?!)

I am learning. Yes, "learning" in present tense that each thing I want to grow in is a process that will take my lifetime. I will never cross off anything on my list because I'm only a sinner. I will always struggle with sin. But the good news is that I will grow. And my list...well I won't throw it away because it reminds me of the sinner I am and the Savior that I so desperately need. Instead of crossing off items I will settle for re-arranging items as I grow in some areas and need more work in other places.

I hope - I PRAY! - that you, too, will set aside your checklist and join me on the journey, the moment by moment walk of building a relationship...not a checked-off-list.

So anyone ready to sign-up?!

Leave me a comment if you, too, struggle with the checklist vs. relationship.

Oh, and I will leave YOU with this verse:

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB)

WFMW: Library Visits

Any of my faithful followers know that I heart books. Like a lot! Okay, okay...so I am addicted to books!

What is even worse is that I'm actually trying to instill that into my children! Horror of horrors! I mean, look at the stack of books that I brought home for just one week's reading!

I know. I'm in need of an intervention! But let me share with you on this beautiful Wednesday what works for me in enabling my enjoyment of books.

Just this past January I began taking my children to one of our many public libraries. Yes...I have multiple ones to choose from...I am so spoiled! Our visits soon became weekly and even some times...gasp!...are multiple in a week's time! I will admit that with 3 younger children this is quite interesting on some days. My 2 year old has yet to understand the meaning of quiet and raises the roof if he doesn't get to put the books in the return slot. My 4 year old wants to play with the kid's computers and then randomly pick books of the shelves to browse through. My 6 year old wants to make friends with everyone we meet regardless of the fact that they are strangers!

So I quickly started using the library website thanks to one of my small group teen girls who told me about all the cool things you could do on there. Things like search for books, place them on hold, and even renew items without stepping out your front door. Thanks Danielle!

I began to use this free feature with great success. When I would go to the library all I had to do was return our previously borrowed items and then pick up my holds from the front desk. It helped our visits to be much smoother and I actually was able to check out books for the kids that I really wanted rather than just grab and shove them into my bag in hopes that they would be something we would really want to read. Now my visits are relaxing since I can let my kids explore the various activities because I already have a good selection of books picked out.

But before I leave you with this great idea for making your library visits a bit easier at times, let me share just one more tip that I use hand in hand with the one above. I also have been using a social reading website, called Goodreads, for a year now. Goodreads makes keeping track of what I have read and my reading progress much easier than doing it by hand on a list that always seems to get lost after only a few months of using it. Now I use it to keep track of not only what I am reading but also what I'm reading to my children! After reading a book I enter it into Goodreads and it always brings up more books by that author and/or books that others who read this book also like. I have found so many more good books by taking titles from Goodreads and searching them on my library site. I now have a constant stream of books on hold. And they are not random books, but ones that I am excited to read to my kids. I can see what they are about, what people have said about them and how they have rated them.

If you have questions or want to talk to me more about this I would love to chat! You can just e-mail me at the address listed on my sidebar. Or you can check out what we've read and what I am currently reading by browsing the displays on my sidebar as well. And never fear! I'm always doing book reviews! (Oh, come on...for just a moment your heart raced at the mention of book reviews, right?!) If you scroll down you will see a list of topics that my posts are labeled in. By clicking on the "Book Review" link you can have access to all my reviews! Thrilling, I know

Well, I'm off to do the dishes while listening to "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis. Yes, I'm also listening to books as I work! I guess you would have to say I am truly addicted!

Hi. My name is Mandy and I am obsessed with books.

Now this is where you say..."Hi, Mandy"! Leave a comment to show my your support! I need all the help I can get!

Then hop right on over to Kristin's at We Are That Family to read more WFMW posts!

Choices

Dear God,

Thank You for creating us with the ability to make a choice. Making a choice can sometimes be fun, like when I choose between blueberry cheesecake or chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream. Then other times it can be a tough choice such as deciding to attend my brother-in-law's graduation rather than the ladies conference where a dear friend will be speaking. Some are easy, some are hard.

After reading Numbers 14:20-33 today I am once again reminded of how our choices have more than just an impact on our own lives, but those around us, too. The Israelites decided that it was too hard to conquer the Promised Land and so because of their choice to take the advice of the 10 spies rather than the other 2, they and their children were made to wander for 40 years. While they paid with their lives - dying in the wilderness - their children spent 40 of their years just waiting before they could step out in faith.

Father, my prayer is that the Holy Spirit will fill me with the faith and faithfulness I need to live every moment in order to make wise, biblical choices that will impact my children in a good way. Thank You, also, for Your grace that is their when I do make a bad and lousy choice. Help me think more than once about each of my choices...even the fun ones when I get to pick what kind of ice cream to have! Let all my choices bring glory to YOU oh God!

Book Review: The Farm Team & More...

The Bravest Mouse by Maria Barbero

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A cute story of a mouse who is brave enough to put a bell on a cat and save his friends and family!


View all my reviews.


The Farm Team by Linda Bailey

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Farm Animals play hockey against a rough team. Besides a cute story line and funny pictures it also gives a good lesson in how the more "unusual" players can be an asset to the team even when we don't think they are.


View all my reviews.

Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don't hand out 5 stars on a whim! I really liked this book. A sweet tail of a cute mouse who lives in the library and sleeps by day and reads and writes by night. Besides the wholesome story line it also was a humble story that made for good conversation with the kids. A delightful book for children and adults who love to read!


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Simple Woman's Daybook - May 18th

FOR TODAY Monday, May 18th

Outside my window...

Gloomy skies...I can't wait for the summer weather to come back!

I am thinking...

About stuff I want to get done, but how I need to cuddle with my kids. Micah is running a fever - I think he's teething - and Emmy just needs attention.

I am thankful for...

For family that you can have fun with.

From the kitchen...

I'm making homemade sandwich bread...and supper. Hmmmm...not sure what we'll have!

I am wearing...

A pair of jeans and my comfy Penn State sweatshirt that I borrowed from my husband during our dating days and have worn ever since!

I am creating...

A tidy house.

I am going...

no where today!

I am reading...

"The Priest" by Francine Rivers

I am hoping...

for some warm weather this week!

I am hearing...

The kids watch Parent Trap before we have to return it to the Library.

Around the house...

I need to clean the bathroom, wash dishes, fold laundry, and put some folding chairs away...as well as put clean sheets on our bed and the girls beds, too.

One of my favorite things...

Warm sunny afternoons to read on the front porch.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Go to the library. Do some over due blogging! Organize me desk & catch up on paperwork.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My husband (Justin) and my brother (Aaron) washing dishes on Mother's Day.

Giggles From The Trench: A New Husband

It's been a few days since I've posted. I've been busy.

I guess I would always say I'm busy, but when I can't blog - which is my "outlet" - you know I've had some very busy days! So for your patience I'll share with you a small story that will bring a smile to your face....

Last Tuesday I took the kids to the Library and to Walmart to buy Emmy her birthday bike. On the way there Abby pipes up from the back of the van: "Mommy, I think you should marry someone else!"

"What???", I asked her. I was taken a back by her random comment.

"Well, I think you should find someone who is not allergic to pets."

Glad for the clarification I explained that I would not be marrying anyone else and that both girls need to be thankful for their father, allergies and all!

Then I called Justin. He didn't find the humor as I did!

Book Review: Humility - True Greatness

Humility: True Greatness by C. J. Mahaney

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I learned so much from this book I am having a hard time putting it all into one or two review paragraphs. This book does a wonderful job of taking you from an intellectual understanding of humility to the practical application of how you can daily grow in humility. C.J. Mahaney walks you through The Battle of Humility Versus Pride, Our Savior and the Secret of True Greatness, and lastly The Practice of True Humility. There was so much in this book that lept of the pages at me! One of the main points for my life was probably the need for staying charged and how we can not just have our devotions once a day and expect them to "last" as if it's some sort of time-lapse capsul. We need - I need - to be renewing my mind with my Savior through out the day through prayer, reading His Word, meditating on His Word, and worship. I highly recommend this book and would like to suggest you read it along with another book by this author, The Cross Centered Life Keeping the Gospel The Main Thing


View all my reviews.

Book Review: Ernest & Elston and More...

Ernest and Elston by Laura T. Barnes

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
The adorable story of a rooster who doesn't want to be a rooster anymore until his friend, a miniature donkey, shows him that they need him to be just who he is!


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Harry's Home by Catherine Anholt

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Harry goes to visit his grandpa and finds out how much he likes his home.


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Fox and Fluff by Shutta Crum

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fox finds a chick and decides not to eat it. But what he didn't realize is how he actually enjoyed having the chick around! A cute story for kids and parents, too!


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Wiggle by Doreen Cronin

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A good book about wiggles to read to younger kids!


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I.Q. Goes to the Library by Mary Ann Fraser

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another book in the series about the class pet named I.Q. While being all about I.Q. this is also a book about the library! Great for kids and parents alike!


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I.Q. Goes to School by Mary Ann Fraser

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I.Q. becomes part of a class and doesn't just want to be the pet, but also a student!


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Spot Visits His Grandparents by Eric Hill

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great books for little readers...especially little boys!


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The Gingerbread Girl by Lisa Campbell Ernst

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A cute fairy-tale follow up to the gingerbread boy!


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